How to prepare avocado

Choose an avocado that yields slightly to pressure from your hand. If the avocado is hard and unripe you can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a paper bag overnight with a couple of ripe apples.

Cut the fruit in half lengthways and twist the two halves to release the fruit from the stone. The flesh will come away easily from the stone. To remove the stone, hit the stone with a sharp knife so it becomes embedded in the stone, twist the knife and the stone will pop out.

Scoop out the flesh with a teaspoon to use in salads or to mash for avocado. For perfect slices of avocado, place the halves cut side down on a chopping board, cut in half and peel away the skin, then slice the avocado.

The flesh of avocado will discolour quickly so brush or drizzle the cut surface with a little lemon juice or vinaigrette to prevent browning.